Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Aloo Bonda?
Crispy Aloo Bonda is a popular Indian street food consisting of spiced potato balls encased in a golden, crispy chickpea flour batter and deep-fried.
How many Aloo Bondas does this recipe make?
This recipe yields a batch of 16 Aloo Bondas.
What are the nutritional values for one Aloo Bonda?
Each Aloo Bonda contains approximately 80 calories, 3.6g of fat, 10.8g of carbohydrates, 2.4g of protein, and 1g of fiber.
Can I freeze Aloo Bonda?
Yes, these spiced potato balls can be easily frozen uncooked for later use, making them a convenient snack for future gatherings.
What type of flour is used for the coating?
The batter for the coating is made using chickpea flour, also known as besan.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Potatoes should be boiled for approximately 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
What spices are included in the potato filling?
The filling includes chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and fresh green chili for a flavorful spice profile.
How do I test if the frying oil is hot enough?
You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and turns golden brown quickly, the oil is ready.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should reach a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) before you begin frying the bondas.
What should I serve with Aloo Bonda?
They are best served hot with tangy chutneys, such as mint or tamarind, or simple tomato ketchup.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Aloo Bonda is a vegetarian-friendly snack.
How do I ensure the batter is smooth?
To achieve a smooth batter, sift the chickpea flour and other dry ingredients before gradually whisking in the water.
What is the purpose of bicarbonate of soda in the batter?
Bicarbonate of soda is added to the batter to help achieve a lighter, crispier texture when fried.
How large should I roll the potato balls?
The potato mixture should be rolled into walnut-sized balls.
How long do the bondas need to fry?
The bondas should be fried for about 3-4 minutes until they are a lovely golden brown.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 13 ingredients in total, including vegetables, spices, and flour.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric is used in two ways: half is added to the potato mix for flavor and color, and the other half is added to the batter for a golden appearance.
Does the recipe use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe calls for one bunch of finely chopped fresh coriander.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of vegetable oil for sautéing the onions.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of salt, divided between the potato mixture and the chickpea batter.
Should I cool the mashed potatoes before mixing?
Yes, the mashed potatoes should be allowed to cool completely before being combined with the onion and spice mix.
How much chickpea flour is needed for the batter?
The recipe calls for 100 grams of chickpea flour.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 10.8g of carbohydrates in one Aloo Bonda.
Is there lemon juice in the filling?
Yes, the juice of half a lemon is added to the potato mixture for a hint of acidity.
How many potatoes are needed?
You will need 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One small onion should be finely chopped and sautéed until soft and translucent.
How much water is added to the batter?
The recipe uses 110 ml of water to create a smooth, thick batter.
Should the bondas be drained after frying?
Yes, they should be placed on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
How do you mash the potatoes?
The potatoes can be mashed using a potato ricer or a standard masher.
What color should the sautéed onion be?
The onion should be sautéed until it is soft and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes.